Local Restaurant Lends A Helping Hand To Greenwich EMS

GREENWICH, CT — Caren's Cos Cobber at 31 E. Putnam Ave. normally opens at 11 a.m. for lunch, but each year around this time, the popular eatery opens up early for breakfast and donates a portion of proceeds from the whole day to help support Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS).

The restaurant was bustling early on Wednesday for this year's "Just For Gems" event, which coincides with National EMS Week.

A GEMS ambulance was parked out front for tours, and tables were set up for people to learn more about hands-only CPR, Stop the Bleed, Narcan training, and the GEMS organization itself.

The fundraiser, which has been held each year for the last 14 years, is organized by Ann R. Hagmann, a member of the GEMS Board of Directors; Caren St. Phillip, owner of Caren's Cos Cobber; and Tracy Schietinger, executive director of GEMS.

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"This is an opportunity for us to give back to the community," Hagmann told Patch. "This is one organization that no one can say they'll never need. GEMS is relevant to almost everyone."

Hagmann said her family has been helped by GEMS over the years.

"We've called upon GEMS, and they have a very fast response rate," she said.

A portion of proceeds from the day helps GEMS purchase equipment, such as ambulances, AEDs and heart monitors. GEMS has received upwards of $10,000 in past Just For Gems events.

"GEMS can't do what we do without the support of the community," Schietinger said. "It's events like this that make Greenwich great. It just pulls us all together. We can't do it alone."

St. Phillip said she looks forward to the event each year.

"Every May, we start preparing," St. Phillip said. "It's been great to be able to give back to our community. GEMS is very important in our town. I'm happy I'm able to help in some way."

To learn more about GEMS and ways to donate, click here.